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The Challenge

The wellbeing of our communities and credit unions depends on the wellbeing of their members – financial stability is at the core of our potential to thrive. Still, many potential members aren’t connected with the basic financial services, educational resources and dedicated support they need to make a choice that leads to better financial health and stronger communities. Other factors that lead to a lack of financial empowerment are feeling challenged by navigating complex systems, diminished trust in financial institutions and a stigma around discussing money.

How can credit unions themselves become part of the solution for individuals and the larger community?

Our goal is that credit unions will become part of the solution and take a leadership role in driving towards financial empowerment for the community. Deeply rooted in and passionate about the community, thorough understanding of the financial landscape and with a social good mindset: Who is better equipped to answer the challenge?

Big questions can seem overwhelming, just like conquering Mt. Everest. But just like the trek to the Himalayas, every big project starts with small steps. Our partner OpenIdeo recently created a Resources page of toolkits, assets, and references that have emerged from working with communities for years. These tools come in handy as we’re in the middle of the Ideas Phase of the Financial Empowerment Challenge.

Let’s get visual
It can be a napkin sketch, a diagram or a basic video idea: visualizations can help bring ideas to life by simplifying complexity. During the Research Phase of this challenge, we were amazed when Kyaw Tun Sein used an early sketch to explore how two solutions can be developed to empower a 19-year-old persona named Parvesh financially. It was a great example of how visualizations can be used to engage an audience as ideas are further developed.

How might communities themselves become part of the solution to this financial disconnectedness?

Why Communities?

Communities are inherently built on trust, common values and shared responsibility. In this challenge let’s explore these fundamental strengths as we develop solutions that lift up the financial capabilities of people everywhere. Communities can take many forms – families and neighborhoods, schools and clubs, offices and places of worship, to name a few – so let’s unlock the power of these values, institutions, systems and networks to create new solutions for greater financial education and empowerment in communities everywhere.

*The THINK 15 Prize Challenge has concluded. Click here to learn more about the challenge and see the winning ideas!